Post Nasal Drip Specialist

What is post-nasal drip?

Every day, the glands that line your mouth, nose, and throat produce mucus. This mucus keeps the air you breathe in warm and moist.

Usually, the mucus mixes with your saliva and drips down the back of your throat without you noticing. However, if your glands produce too much mucus or the mucus thickens, then you may feel a tickle in the back of your throat as the mucus drips down, causing the post-nasal drip.

Post-nasal drip is common. In addition to the tickle, your post-nasal drip may also cause a nagging cough or throat irritation. 

But you don’t have to spend weeks or months struggling with your post-nasal drip symptoms. Dr. Kushnick treats the underlying cause of your post-nasal drip to alleviate the annoying symptoms. 

What causes post-nasal drip?

You may develop post-nasal drip for several reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Cold or flu
• Chronic sinusitis
• Sinus infection
• Allergies
• Weather changes
• Certain foods
• Deviated septum
• Foreign object in the nose
• A side effect of medication

Swallowing problems and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also cause post-nasal drip. 

What happens during a post-nasal drip evaluation?

Dr. Kushnick is an experienced ENT specialist who takes an evidence-based approach to care. He collects a comprehensive history and conducts a physical exam to find the root cause of your post-nasal drip so you get the best treatment.

During your evaluation, he reviews your symptoms, when they started, and the suspected cause (if known). He also asks about the types of treatments you’ve tried to alleviate your symptoms.

He then examines your nose and throat and uses fiber-optic visualization to evaluate your nasal passages and sinus cavity. Dr. Kushnick may also request other diagnostic tests to better understand the root cause of your symptoms, such as allergy testing or a sinus CT scan. 

How is post-nasal drip treated?

Dr. Kushnick develops individualized treatment plans for post-nasal drip based on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics to clear up a bacterial infection
• Decongestant
• Guaifenesin to thin the mucus
• Nasal steroid spray to reduce inflammation
• Nasal decongestant
• Ipratropium to inhibit mucus production
• Allergy medication
• Nasal irrigation

In addition to medical treatments, Dr. Kushnick may recommend lifestyle changes such as increasing your fluid intake and keeping your head propped up on pillows while you sleep. He may also suggest a humidifier to keep the air moist. 

There’s no need to suffer any longer with your post-nasal drip. To find relief, call the office of Steven D. Kushnick, MD, or book an appointment online today.